Little gestures can make big difference

About a month ago, I got a notification on my phone from a young girl who I shared the stage with in the last play I was in before leaving for college.

She was asking how college was and we had a good conversation, as good as you can have with a 10-year-old. At the end of it, she mentioned that she missed me and that she was eager to see me again. 

The three small words — “I miss you” — were enough to make me tear up. I knew she looked up to me during the time we were performing together but I thought she’d forget about me until she saw me next. Those three small words made me realize how much impact I had on her. 

Having an impact on someone’s life is something we don’t think about enough. We can impact someone else by our actions and our words.

I am the kind of person to really underestimate the impact I have on others, good or bad. So it’s difficult for me to define what value I bring, because I feel like it isn’t much.

I mean, how can I make much of a difference in another person's life? 

The truth is, I believe that everyone impacts the world around them. Their attitude, their work ethic, their words or their smile all can make a change in someone’s day. 

Somewhere there is someone saying you have the most contagious laugh or that you always make them smile or that you’re super nice.

At least that’s the hope, right? 

Having an impact on the world around us is so important and we need to remember every action leaves an impact on those we encounter. 

Helping your neighbor with their groceries, being kind to that little kid, playing with your dog even though you're busy, listening to your little siblings because they are excited — all of those things make a difference. 

Plus, the holiday season is just around the corner and everybody is stressed, so brightening their day may brighten yours too.

And who knows, maybe we’ll go into the next year with a little more hope, leaving a positive impact on those around us.